CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois pole vaulter Cody Johnston is preparing to go up against the nation’s best in Eugene, Oregon.

Johnson cleared a bar at 5.42m (17-9 1/4) in the NCAA West Preliminaries in College Station, Texas to secure a spot at the NCAA Championships.

Johnston needed all three attempts at three different heights in the preliminary meet. He secured the 12th and final advancement spot from the meet.

“That day was quite overwhelming,” he remarked. “It just proves that making a third attempt can indeed make a difference, although it’s better not to depend on it… I managed to succeed, and that’s what truly counts.”

He says a headwind in College Station threw him off a bit.

The Illini jumper finished fifth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2024 as a freshman to earn First-Team All-American honors.

“I’d suggest it instills a bit more assurance regarding what to anticipate,” he mentioned regarding his familiarity with the national competition. “Being aware now of what needs to be done and what I will undergo to get ready, the process will be somewhat simpler.”

Earlier in 2025, he placed eighth at the NCAA Indoor Championships.